Khalistani Slogans Surface on Train Ahead of PM Modi’s Punjab Visit; Probe Underway After SFJ Video Emerges

July 12, 2026

Chandigarh: Security agencies have launched an investigation after a video allegedly showing pro-Khalistan slogans written on the coaches of a Delhi-bound train at Ferozepur Cantonment railway station surfaced online ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Punjab.

The video was circulated by the banned separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and shared by its designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The footage purportedly shows slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Modi Murdabad” painted on train coaches. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.

Security Tightened Ahead of PM’s Visit

Following the emergence of the video, the Railway Police Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), Punjab Police and intelligence agencies have stepped up security measures. Officials are examining CCTV footage from Ferozepur Cantt railway station to identify those responsible for writing the slogans.

A high alert has been issued as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Punjab on July 15 and 17 to attend official programmes in Ludhiana and Jalandhar, including the inauguration of the newly constructed railway station building at Jalandhar Cantonment.

Pannun References Jaswant Singh Khalra in Video

In the video, Pannun referred to the legacy of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who documented alleged cases of unidentified cremations during Punjab’s militancy era. Khalra disappeared in 1995 after bringing attention to the issue through a report prepared with members of the Shiromani Akali Dal’s human rights wing. The case later became one of Punjab’s most widely discussed human rights investigations.

Pannun also made claims regarding farmers’ distress and alleged encounter killings. These claims have not been independently verified.

SFJ Remains Banned Under UAPA

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), founded in the United States in 2007, campaigns for a separate Khalistan through its “Referendum 2020” initiative. The organisation was banned by the Centre in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its alleged involvement in separatist activities.

In 2020, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was designated as an individual terrorist under the UAPA. Investigators continue to monitor SFJ-linked activities, while security agencies remain on alert ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab.

Police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.